Human Rights Council: Gov’t approves national referral procedures for combating violence against women
The primary objective of the document is to establish “efficient communication and mutually agreed-upon activities” among relevant agencies within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring the “prompt protection” of victims of violence against women and domestic violence, the body noted. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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The Human Rights Council of Georgia on Monday said the Government had approved the national referral procedures by its resolution, aimed at the identification, protection, assistance, and rehabilitation of victims of violence against women and domestic violence.
The primary objective of the document is to establish “efficient communication and mutually agreed-upon activities” among relevant agencies within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring the “prompt protection” of victims of violence against women and domestic violence, the body noted.
The document was elaborated by the “collaborative efforts” of the inter-agency commission on gender equality, violence against women, and domestic violence and with the active involvement of thematic state agencies, the United Nations Population Fund and civil society.
The Council said the Government, in collaboration with its international partners, affirmed its commitment to continue implementing effective measures in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.
The United Nations in Georgia, the European Union Delegation to the country, the OSCE and NATO Liaison Office, as well as the embassies to Georgia, on Saturday called for action “to end violence against women and girls in all its forms”, including sexual harassment and abuse to child marriage and femicide.
The Georgian Government on Saturday said it joined the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the event marked worldwide since 1991 to raise awareness over the problem.
The Georgian Government is working on a bill that would tighten legislation on violence against women, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze told Interpressnews on Monday.
Niko Tatulashvili, Georgian prime minister’s advisor for human rights, on Tuesday said the government had approved action plans providing measures against femicide and domestic violence and ensuring women’s engagement in public life.
Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Human Rights Committee, on Sunday discussed existing and future cooperation with Vladimir Shkolnikov, the Senior Advisor of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Georgia and Besarion Bokhashvili, the Human Rights Officer at OHCHR.
The United Nations in Georgia, the European Union Delegation to the country, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and 25 embassies operating in the country on Friday released a joint statement on International Women’s Day to reaffirm commitment to achieving gender equality and empowerment for “all women and girls”.
Police officers in streets of Georgia's capital Tbilisi marked International Women's Day on Friday by stopping women drivers and passersby to give them flowers and messages of congratulations.